Hearts of Oak head coach, Samuel Boadu has admitted that his side is struggling but remain confident they can still defend their Premier League title.
The Phobians hosted their rivals, Asante Kotoko in an outstanding game at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After 90 minutes of action, the Rainbow Club shared spoils with the Porcupine Warriors.
The stalemate means Hearts of Oak finished the first round of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League on the 8th position with 25 points with Kotoko sitting top of the log with 37 points.
Boadu speaking after the game admitted his side's poor start but remain adamant they can still clinch the title game.
"Asante Kotoko is a good side no doubt, in this first round they are on top, we are struggling but we believe that the day is still young," he said after the game.
"For sure we still have the chance to defend our title, all the clubs are pushing but we have to push harder to reach our destination," he added.
Hearts of Oak will be hosted by Legon Cities in the matchday 18 games at the El Wak Stadium this weekend.